Scratch Resistant and Transparent UV-Protective Coating on Polycarbonate

UV-protective coating material has been developed to improve the scratch resistance and transparency of polycarbonate substrates. Acetyl acetone (AcAc) chelated silanes and 3-glycidoxypropyl-trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) modified nano-titania sols were used for the UV-protective hard coating materials by the sol-gel technique. The hybrid network is formed as a result of the controlled hydrolysis and condensation of the MTMS (Methyl Tri Methoxy Silane) and DMDMS (Di Methyl Di Methoxy Silane). Surface modified TiO2 nano particles were dispersed in sterically stabilized in the hybrid network by the chelating agent. The coatings dried at 130°C after spray coating were shown to have excellent scratch resistance and adhesion and in addition, it roles as efficient UV-protector under UV irradiation. The long time UV test resulted in no crack formation, without loss of adhesion within the test period of 20 weeks.